MATCH REPORTS
SKELMERSDALE CRUISE TO VICTORY
SKELMERSDALE UNITED 2 PRESCOT CABLES 0
TUESDAY 19TH JANUARY 2010.
By Neil Leatherbarrow
Skelmersdale United retained their place in the Unibond Division One North promotion pack, with what was a relatively comfortable victory at home to local rivals Prescot Cables, a brace of goals in 13 and 22 minutes being enough to secure three valuable points. Both teams showed signs of tiredness after the break, but after the pace at which the first-half had been played, that arguably was understandable. Speaking after the game, Skelmersdale manager Tommy Lawson agreed that his team did perhaps ease off a little, he added; “We won it because of a fine 25 minutes spell in the first-half...... even so in the second-half we had more chances than them”.
It took the opening goal to get the game going. Michael Duffy pouncing on a loose pass, then purposefully taking the ball to the goal-line and crossing to the far post, where it was met by Karl Ledsham, who stooped to head the ball past a helpless Andy Paxton.
Prescot were now forced back onto their heels, though they were holding on well. That was until the 22nd minute, when some sharp finishing brought about Skelmersdale’s second goal. The ball went low across the face of the Prescot goal, Ledsham getting a touch that was scrambled off the line by a defender, the ball dropped to captain Michael White and he reacted quickly to direct the ball low into the corner of the net from four yards out.
Cables were doing their best to play good positive football and they had their moments. In the 27th minute Phil Cooney flicked the ball over the United bar from a free-kick, then in the 30th minute Cooney again was thwarted, this time by home keeper Damien Eastham after Martin Crowder lost possession.
In the 39th minute, Skelmersdale midfielder Aaron Turner showed just why he has been the focus of attention from bigger clubs, when he played a wonderfully weighted ball over the Prescot defence, but Kevin Towey failed to find the target from a good position.
Skelmersdale continued to press and a minute into added time they came painfully close to a third goal. After a foul on Chris Almond, Crowder put in a left foot free-kick of the highest quality and only an acrobatical one handed tip over the bar by Paxton prevented a goal.
Skelmersdale started strongly after the restart, initially forcing a succession of corners, before Towey had a great chance in the 53rd minute. An enterprising run down the left by Almond resulted in him sliding a square ball to Towey, as Paxton left his line, Towey side-footed the ball inches wide of the far post.
Prescot then had a spell in which they had more of the play, but significantly they were struggling to make inroads into a well marshalled home defence. Cooney could have done better with a shot he put over the bar in the 59th minute, however, the nearest Cables came to scoring was in the 77th minute, when some slack play by Skelmersdale presented overlapping full-back Paul Lundon with the ball, he quickly made ground, then hit a thunderous drive that went just over the United crossbar form twenty yards.
In the latter stages, Skelmersdale started to assert again, substitute Mark Houghton being very unlucky to hit the post from a snapshot, before Ledsham headed over the bar from a Crowder free-kick six minutes from time.
If it was a horse race you were watching, you have concluded that both protagonists needed the run and will do better next time out. Skelmersdale have a tough game on Saturday at Curzon Ashton, where they will need to up their game, so the game represents a valuable exercise in regaining match fitness and the three points will be useful, too.
SKELMERSDALE UNITED: Eastham, Duffy, Crowder, Akrigg, White (c), Turner, Ledsham (Quarless, 89), Armstrong, Almond (Houghton, 63), Towey (Wade R., 63), Loughlin Subs (not used) Burke, Wade A.
PRESCOT CABLES: Paxton, Lundon, Morgan, Liptrot, Ridler (c), McCulloch (Johnson, 75), Wright, Thurston (Rey, 75), Gibiliru, Cliff (Spearitt, 61) Subs (not used) Green, Couch
Referee: P. Gooch
Attendance: 200
MONDAY 14TH DECEMBER 2009.
UNIBOND PRESIDENTS CUP QUARTER FINAL
CURZON ASHTON 2 SKELMERSDALE UNITED 3
(WRITES FRANK HUGHES)
With two goals in injury time this was a truly scintillating cup tie, with everything including the twist in the tale.
The referee had indicated that there would be two minutes of injury time, and with United leading 2-1 they were trying their best to see the game through without incident, but with seconds of added time remaining Chris Almond was judged to have handled the ball on the line and a penalty was awarded.
Bizarrely neither the referee nor the linesman knew who’d allegedly committed the handball, but so incensed with the injustice – claiming he’d chested the ball, Almond came forward and remonstrated with the powers that be.
Michael Norton scored from the spot, which was punishment enough in his eyes, but had either official been able to decipher who’d allegedly handled then Almond would’ve been sent off for his second bookable offence.
From the restart the final whistle was anticipated with extra time to follow, but another board went up to indicate 4 minutes would be added on, so time continued and two minutes later United stole the tie when Ledsham headed home Crowder’s cross.
As it happened the referee blew for full time having found 8 minutes in total, but it mattered not from United’s perspective because they’d done enough to earn themselves a hard earned victory.
United blew the lead twice, but it has to be said; Curzon refused to give up which all added to the flavour of the game.
In the 4th minute Karl Ledsham gave a taste of what was to come when he headed Chris Almond’s cross inches over the crossbar.
Skem took the lead in the 10th minute with a fantastic finish from Martin Crowder.
Having received the ball from a short corner, Crowder jinked his marker before sending the ball over the keeper into the top right hand corner of the net.
Curzon showed their intent soon after when Andrew Lundy benefitted from a lucky bounce before breaking into the box, but his shot albeit full of intent and carrying a bit of power, was gathered well by McMahon at half stretch.
Luke Mack had a punt from 25-yards out but his low shot fell a couple of foot wide of the upright.
Martin Crowder’s free kick was inch perfect as it evaded Curzon’s entire defence before falling to the temple of Mark Houghton who headed just inches wide of the target.
Curzon were back on terms in the 31st minute when Michael Norton sneaked in to side foot the ball home directly from a free kick.
United should’ve been back in the lead 2 minutes before the half time break.
Following great work by Shaun Foster, United’s right back sent a glorious cross over Curzon’s first line of defence which fell squarely to Ryan Wade, but just 5-yards out and with an open goal gaping he somehow managed to blaze his shot over the crossbar.
Ryan Wade’s clever back heel found Aaron Turner who spun his marker before playing a neat through ball to Mark Houghton, but with just the keeper to beat he aimed his shot directly at Cooper who gathered comfortably.
In what proved to be a busy night for Houghton he was at it again minutes later, but once again when he sneaked through, his shot lacked strength and was held up short of the target before it got cleared.
Fed by Mark Houghton, Ryan Wade was brought down inside the box by Luke Mack and a penalty was awarded.
Up stepped Captain Michael White to comfortably dispatch the spot kick.
Chris Almond’s well timed pass put Ryan Wade through, and he in turn unleashed a powerful shot which Cooper did well to turn away.
Phil Edghill hit the outside of the upright in the 85th minute with a 25-yarder as Curzon threatened a grandstand finish, and two minutes later Michael Norton broke through to deliver a thunderous shot which forced Ryan McMahon into pulling off a world-class save.
Curzon had extra time in their grasp when Norton scored from the spot, but the twist in tale came when Ledsham fired the visitors’ into the semi final.
United will now face Belper Town at home in the semi final on Saturday 13th March 2010.
M.O.M. Mark Houghton
With one eye on attack, Houghton also managed a man marking job at the same time – an outstanding performance in anyone’s book.
Team: McMahon, Foster (12. Duffy 90) Crowder, Akrigg, White, Turner, Almond, Armstrong, Houghton, R Wade, Ledsham. Subs Not Used: 14. Towey, Burke, Quarless, Eastham.
ATT: 100
SATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER 2009.
SKELMERSDALE UNITED 1 LANCASTER CITY 2
(WRITES FRANK HUGHES)
In a pulsating game at Stormy Corner, the better team lost.
Once again United suffered the curse of poor refereeing, when late on the game Mr Ackerman waved on Aaron Turner’s penalty appeal when he was unceremoniously dragged to the ground by two Lancaster defenders – despite the fact that he was a matter of a just a few yards away from the incident.
Ackerman’s hesitancy on important issues throughout the game was supported by his assistants who were just as poor, but with an assessor in attendance at most games these days, you kind of expect that the standard would get better – clearly not the case on this occasion.
United Manager Tommy Lawson…chose his words carefully:
“If you moan too much these days people think the needle’s got stuck, but you can only say what you see.
“The referee has clearly got the big decisions wrong, but he’s also been backed up by an assistant who chalked off a perfectly good goal…which was bizarre to say the least as the same lad had left all his other decisions to Mr Ackerman.
“Credit must go to Lancaster City though because their work rate was phenomenal, but the best team lost in my opinion, and it wasn’t helped by the officials.”
United who took an early lead when Chris Almond slammed the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the net in the 7th minute courtesy of Shaun Foster’s square ball.
Skem continued to pose more of a threat, with Ryan Wade turning his marker inside the box, but with just the keeper to beat his shot was directed straight into his hands.
Michael Burke’s cross to the far post put Chris Almond in the clear, but his shot albeit target bound was cleared off the line.
On the stroke of half time Lancaster drew level.
Guy Heffernan was played through by Connerton and his shot was blocked by McMahon, only to fall to Jarvis who poked the loose ball home, but the portly linesman wasn’t quite with it pace wise and therefore failed to see Heffernan who was clearly offside in the first instance.
United continued to dominate the game in the second half.
Ryan Wade had a terrific opportunity in the 50th minute when he received Mark Houghton’s cross. He brought the ball down, turned and took a swipe but the ball went just a matter of inches over the crossbar.
A melee in the box ensued minutes later when Mark Houghton wreaked havoc on Lancaster’s back line before sending an inviting cross into the danger area, but shots by Wade and Almond were blocked respectively.
Mark Houghton skinned his marker before running down the line to deliver an excellent cross to Chris Almond who didn’t realise he was in the clear, and the rather than turn his marker and slot the ball home, he allowed the ball to slip off his foot to give the keeper a comfortable catch.
For all United’s endeavour it was Lancaster who went on to get their noses ahead, as Jordan Connerton scored at close range from Mark Jackson’s cross.
Shaun Foster slotted home Chris Almond’s cross, but Mark Houghton who was in no-man’s land was deemed to be offside, and the goal was chalked off.
United continued to press for an equalizer but alas their fight was in vain.
Lancaster are a good solid unit, who will most definitely be scrapping it out for promotion with FC Halifax Town if they continue with this kind of luck.
United for their part will rue their missed chances, but they didn’t get the rub of the green either – and the less said about the referee the better.
M.O.M. Liam Loughlin (Skelmersdale)
A polished performance by the new lad on the block, who is quickly emulating his old man, and former Skem legend Billy Loughlin.
Rating: 4/5
Team:
United:
McMahon, Foster, Burke, Akrigg, White, Turner (15. Towey 79) Almond, Armstrong, Houghton, Wade (17. Ledsham 79) Loughlin. Subs Not Used: 12. Duffy, 14. Crowder.
Att: 361
TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2009.
LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP 2ND ROUND
SKELMERSDALE UNITED 5 AFC LIVERPOOL 2
(WRITES FRANK HUGHES)
United cruised into the third round of the Liverpool Senior Cup, but they had to contend with a late fight back by AFC Liverpool first.
Manager, Tommy Lawson made 5 changes from the team that started at Ossett over the weekend, but the quality was far from compromised.
United went at their visitor’s straight from the off, with Leon Quarless hitting the post in the 7th minute and a few of minutes later he hit a low drive which was collected well by the keeper.
Michael Duffy flew by his opponents like Usain Bolt before rifling a robust shot target bound, only to see the keeper turn his shot wide.
Karl Ledsham opened up United’s account in the 30th minute with a great finish. Leon Quarless placed a testing cross into the danger area, which found Kevin Towey who dummied his marker before squaring to Ledsham who blasted the ball into the back of the net.
Three minutes later United doubled their lead.
Leon Quarless received a quick fire cross and appeared to be sizing up for a shot, but quite cleverly picked out Michael Burke to his left, who in turn controlled the ball with one foot before converting the shot with the other.
United scored their third in the 53rd minute courtesy of a quickly played free kick by Michael White, and from it Aaron Turner crossed the ball to Kevin Towey who simply guided the ball into the back of the net from close quarters.
Towey almost doubled his tally in the 62nd minute, but for a great block by Sam Wilkinson in the AFC Liverpool goal, and three minutes later Karl Ledsham capitalized on a poor pass only to see his shot blazed over an open target.
AFC’s fight back started in the 75th minute when United were caught napping at the back and John Kennedy took advantage with a terrific finish.
Skem went to sleep again in the 82nd minute to leave River Humphreys with an easy finish.
With the away supporters fancying a grandstand finish - United upped their game and scored a 4th which effectively dampened their enthusiasm.
Karl Ledsham scored his second of the game in the 86th minute. Kevin Towey broke free to go one-on-one with the keeper but his shot was blocked by the keeper, however the ball fell kindly to Ledsham who had the easiest of finishes.
The cherry on the cake came in the last minute of the game, when Quarless was brought down in the box, but the referee smartly allowed the advantage, and once again the ball spun kindly this time to Kevin Towey who guided the ball comfortably past the keeper.
M.O.M. Michael Burke
Michael Burke is new to the Unibond this season and after an awkward induction to football at this level, he’s starting to look like he belongs in the division.
This was a solid display alongside his captain and mentor Michael White, and he showed how versatile he is in defence as he’s as comfortable at centre half as he is at left back.
Team: Eastham, Duffy, Crowder, Burke, White, Turner, Ledsham, Armstrong (14. A Wade 73) Quarless, Towey, Loughlin (12. Almond 63) Subs Not Used; 15. R Wade, 16 Woolcott, 17. Foster.
Att: 205.
SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2009.
OSSETT ALBION 1 SKELMERSDALE UNITED 3
(Writes Frank Hughes)
United stretched their unbeaten league run to 9 games with a comfortable win in Yorkshire.
Ossett managed a draw at Stormy Corner earlier on in the season and are normally contesting for a play-off position themselves, but they’re not quite reaching their normal standards right now. Nevertheless, on paper this was still potentially the proverbial banana skin.
Thankfully, United went about their work diligently, which is the main reason why you have to go as far back as the 26th of September 2009 since Skelmersdale last tasted defeat.
The early stages of the game were pretty evenly contested but with little going on in the final third until United found a way through in the 19th minute.
Steve Akrigg fired a thunderous 14-yard volley into the roof of the net, courtesy of Mark Houghton’s lay-off.
The second goal came six minutes later following a great bit of build-up play which culminated in Kyle Armstrong threading a clever ball through to Ryan Wade, and with a burst of lightening pace he squeezed through Ossett’s defence before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
If anything the quick reversal of fortunes appeared to galvanise the home side and they went on to have a couple of opportunities themselves.
Shane Kelsey’s shot was gathered by Eastham at the second attempt, and when Jason Bentley got behind United’s defence courtesy of Tom Harban’s cross he looked odds on to score until Eastham pulled off a quality save.
United finished the half stronger though, with Shaun Foster missing a gilt edged opportunity as he fired high from the edge of the box, and Ryan Wade’s double effort being thwarted by Lee Ashforth in the Ossett goal.
Mark Houghton beat his marker three minutes from the interval, and tried to curl the ball in from an acute angle, but the ball wouldn’t dip quick enough to creep under the crossbar.
United started the second half in similar fashion to the way they’d finished the first.
Steve Akrigg’s through ball found Shaun Foster at the edge of the box, and with his back to goal he turned to deliver a shot which the keeper did well to block.
Just before the hour mark Shane Kelsey’s free kick from the edge of the box forced Eastham into a great reflex save, and Kelsey was in the thick of it again a few minutes later when he rode off the challenge of three United defenders, but having done the hard work he somehow conspired to snatch his shot well wide of the target when he only had the keeper to beat.
United’s third goal was against the run of play and effectively killed off the game as a competition.
Liam Loughlin’s corner looked to be overcooked, but in came Ryan Wade on Ossett’s blindside who picked out Mark Houghton to his right and he in turn squared the ball to Paul Woolcott who took a touch before thrashing the ball low and hard past an outstretched keeper into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
Give Ossett their due because they didn’t give up trying and were rewarded with a consolation goal in the 77th minute when Kelsey capitalised on a mistake by the keeper to poke the ball over the line from close range.
M.O.M. Kyle Armstrong.
Paul Woolcott staked a big claim for the honours with a tremendous performance, and Liam Loughlin wasn’t that far behind either, but Kyle marshalled the midfield with a fine display of aerial dominance and close ball control.
Team: Eastham, Foster (14. Duffy 61) Burke, Akrigg, White, Turner, Woolcott, Armstrong, Houghton (15. Almond 87) R Wade, Loughlin, Subs Not Used: 12. Crowder, 16. Towey, 17. A Wade.
Att: 127
SATURDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2009.
SKELMERSDALE UNITED 2 ROSSENDALE UNITED 1
(WRITES FRANK HUGHES)
United edged this close encounter by the thinnest of margins, with all the credit going to basement club Rossendale United who will feel as though they deserved at least a point for their efforts.
That said once again the referee got a two big decisions wrong in both halves, as he denied United two stonewall penalties which could’ve turned the game considerably in the favour of the home side.
Skem started the game brightly enough and came close to taking the lead in the 6th minute when Steve Akrigg unleashed a thunderous shot from all of 35-yards out, and the keeper did well to take the sting out of the shot before gathering safely at the second attempt.
Shaun Foster’s near post header was bundled away a minute later, but it was Rossendale who would take the lead in the 17th minute.
Shaun Williams’ free kick was turned away by Damien Eastham, but from the resultant corner Tom Clarkeson slotted the ball home.
Skem upped the tempo after their early setback and Adam Wade was unlucky to see his 25-yarder turned away by the keeper.
Skem managed to restore parity in the 35th minute, when Michael White headed home Adam Wade’s free kick.
Captain Michael White has weighed in with some crucial goal this season, but this might prove to be the most important one out of his fifteen so far.
Ryan Wade’s effort just before the break was parried by the keeper and came to Chris Almond who on the turn delivered a shot, but this time it didn’t trouble the keeper as he gathered rather easily.
In the 47th minute Josh Mitten’s shot from the edge of the box was merely inches over the target, but it was United who had the lions share of play in the second half and were rewarded for the diligence in the 67th minute when Shaun Foster slotted home Paul Woolcott’s cross.
United kept coming forward in search of increasing their lead, but Rossendale’s use of the offside trap worked to a tee.
Tom Clarkeson hit the upright in the 78th minute - much to Skem’s relief and at the other end in time added on Kevin Towey’s goal was chalked off for some inexplicable reason.
M.O.M. Aaron Turner (Skelmersdale)
It was what you would term a ‘dirty win’ in the end, but United won the midfield battle which proved to be the most vital strategy.
It was a rare day when the defence looked a bit tired and the forwards lacked their usual flair, but keeping it together was Aaron Turner in the middle of the park, who was more than comfortable to go head to head in the physical stakes.
Rating: 3/5
Team: Eastham, Foster, Crowder, Akrigg, White, Turner, Almond (17. Towey 74) Armstrong, Houghton, R Wade, A Wade (17. Woolcott 61) Subs Not Used: 12. Duffy, 14. Burke, 16. Loughlin.
Att: 257.
TUESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2009.
UNIBOND PRESIDENTS CUP 2ND ROUND.
SKELMERSDALE UNITED 5 WOODLEY SPORTS 2
United stormed into the quarter finals of the Presidents Cup after giving Woodley a two goal start. (WRITES FRANK HUGHES)
Tommy Lawson’s men looked a bit jaded in the first half if the truth be known – perhaps down to their exploits against Halifax at the weekend, but there was also five changes in the starting eleven.
Woodley almost scored in the opening minute when Danny Queeley found a gap at the edged of the box, but Ryan McMahon gathered comfortably in the end.
Adam Wade curled a rangy shot high and wide in the 3rd minute, and for the briefest of moments United looked as though they’d found a gear. However, at the other end they still looked edgy and Kristian Dennis tried to expose their vulnerability with a 20-yarder which wasn’t that far wide of the upright.
Woodley deservedly took the lead in the 15th minute when Dan Browne outwitted Mike Burke on the right wing before delivering an inch perfect cross fro Mark Haslam to convert.
United showed brief spells of intent and their best chance fell to Kevin Towey, whom having rode two tackles decided to cheekily round the keeper before having a shot. He had options to his left, but given the fact that he’d put in a tremendous run he earned the right to be selfish, but unfortunately he missed when he really should’ve buried the ball into the back of the net.
Steve Akrigg had an opportunity soon after when he found himself in space having picked up the loose ball, but once again the execution was poor and his shot was also wider than it should’ve been.
Kristian Dennis forced Ryan McMahon into a last ditch save when Skem failed to clear a difficult cross in the 32nd minute, and at the other end Kyle Armstrong’s 25-yarder was marginally high of the target.
Just before the half time break Skem went two down when Gary Gee’s looping header got the better of McMahon who was off his line.
United made a double substitution after the break with Ryan Wade and Michael Houghton replacing Steve Burke and Adam Wade, and the change had an immediate effect.
Woodley simply couldn’t live with the pace and they eventually cracked in the 57th minute, when Paul Woolcott’s shot was diverted past the keeper by Mark Houghton who was poaching at the far post.
Six minutes later Skem restored parity when Michael White stroked Ryan Wade’s cross home form 8-yards out. Wade’s run down the right wing was very instrumental as he beat the Woodley defence before cutting the ball in from the by-line.
In the 67th minute United had the lead and it was the ‘mighty’ White who headed home his 14th goal of the season direct from a corner kick.
Kevin Towey’s ball fell behind the Woodley defence in the 83rd minute and Ryan Wade pounced on it, letting it bounce once before unleashing an unstoppable shot past the hapless keeper.
The rout was completed two minutes before the end of the game when Ryan Wade’s shot was pushed onto the crossbar before bouncing out to Mark Houghton who headed the ball home.
M.O.M. Kevin Towey.
A great performance from all the lads in the end, but Towey stood out as he’s tortured the Woodley defence all night with some wing wizardry, and cutting runs behind the Woodley backline.
Team: McMahon, Duffy, M Burke, White, Turner, Woolcott, Armstrong (17. Quarless 84) S Burke (16. Houghton 46) Towey, A Wade (15. R Wade 46) Subs Not Used: 12. Almond. 14 . Crowder.
Att:113
SATURDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2009.
SKELMERSDALE UNITED 2 FC HALIFAX TOWN 2
(WRITES FRANK HUGHES)
Two of the league’s top teams battled to a draw, but the game was overshadowed by the worst display of refereeing ever witnessed at the Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College Stadium.
The referee’s assessors are normally in and out within seconds once they’ve done with exchanging pleasantries, but by all accounts on this occasion he had quite a bit to say – not surprising considering that the video coverage won’t put Mr Cropp in the best light.
FC Halifax Town came out in a confident fashion and put United under early pressure. Steve Payne came close when he headed Tom Baker’s corner just a couple of foot over the crossbar in the 12th minute.
When United got into their stride they had a couple of good efforts themselves.
Mark Houghton headed Ryan Wade’s cross marginally wide of the upright and Adam Wade’s shot had the keeper beaten as it headed for the bottom right hand corner of the net, but the ball lacked pace and allowed the keeper enough time to scramble across his line to gather it.
Nicky Gray broke free in the 23rd minute, but the best he could was put the ball wide and a minute later James Dean broke the offside trap and floated his shot agonisingly high of the crossbar. By and large United were defending well, with Steve Akrigg and Shaun Foster standing out.
Steve Akrigg hit the sidenetting direct from Martin Crowder’s corner kick at the far post, and once again Adam Wade came close with a 20-yarder as Town’s defence backed off.
There had been a few contentious decisions during the game with the referee seemingly happy to blow his whistle far too freely – perhaps the pace of the game was a bit too much for him and it was the only way of him catching up with the action. Whatever the case was he certainly lost the plot when he awarded FC Halifax Town with a penalty in the 33rd minute.
James Dean was actually backing into Steve Akrigg and the referee who was 20-yards away from the incident blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. Ironically, at about the same time the assistant referee was actually twitching his flag and sized up to award a free kick to Skem.
Martin Crowder was booked for remonstrating with Mr Cropp as was Steve Akrigg for the imaginary foul. Steve Payne converted the penalty when it was eventually taken two minutes later.
The game turned around in the space of 90 seconds with two fantastic goals by United.
Ryan Wade’s came in the 42nd minute from a cross which wasn’t cleared properly, and from knee height he did well to get enough purchase behind his shot to guide the ball into the back of the net.
Whilst the home supporters were still celebrating Ryan’s goal another one followed seconds later.
Chris Almond’s run down the right wing had the Town defence back pedalling, with Shaun Foster receiving Almond’s ball on the overlap. From the by-line Foster cut the ball back into Kyle Armstrong who struck the ball home from 25-yards out.
United looked the more likely team to score in the second half as they pushed forward to increase their lead and Halifax should’ve been down to ten men in the 68th minute when James Riley as last man standing hacked Mark Houghton down. The referee surprising dished out a yellow as even the most biased supporter was expecting to see a red card.
Marin Crowder’s free kick from 20-yards out hit the upright and Town breathed a huge sigh of relief, but once again it was a direct result of Riley’s clash with Houghton – when really had the referee done the right thing Riley would’ve been already taking an early shower.
Town kept plugging away at things and were rewarded with an equalizer in the 75th minute.
Richard Marshall whizzed down the right wing before putting in an inch perfect cross for James Dean to head home – a goal of true quality.
United weren’t going to settle for a point if they could help it.
Mark Houghton’s shot was blocked by the magnificent Jonathan Hedge as was Ryan Wade’s follow-up, and Kyle Armstrong smartly back heeled the loose ball which looked like it had crossed the line but with a throng of players in the melee it was difficult to be sure.
Chris Almond – by far the fastest man on the pitch beat every man in sight in the 81st minute before cutting inside and delivering a left footed shot that the keeper gathered.
The game ended quite controversially with the sending off of Ryan McMahon.
James Dean attacked a long clearance and was perhaps oblivious to McMahon’s position as he sought the ball, but nevertheless he led with his studs showing which incensed the United keeper. They both squared up with each other, but it was pretty much a handbags affair. The referee awarded a free kick to Skem, but gave McMahon his marching orders for what one can only assume was violent conduct, despite the fact that Dean pleaded in McMahon’s defence.
Martin Crowder took over the gloves for the last eight minutes plus the six that were added on, and although largely untested his handling of the ball was good when called upon.
United are currently 3rd in the fair play league and will find it hard to fathom out what they did wrong to upset the referee, as they had four players booked, the keeper sent off and the Manager, Tommy Lawson sent to the stands for venting his fury at the injustice of it all.
With due respect Haifax had four of their own players cautioned, and you couldn’t pick two better disciplined teams in the league in the top end of the table.
You somehow suspect that the referee wanted to be at the centre of attention when really speaking the two best footballing sides in the Unibond should’ve been left to do what they excel at.
M.O.M. Martin Crowder.
A great performance from all the players, but Martin just sneaks in there to take the honours.
Martin had a good game all-round and it wasn’t just his performance in goal that got him this accolade. Indeed he’s been one of the most consistent players in the team this season but rarely picks up the praise he deserves.
Team:
McMahon, Foster, Crowder, Akrigg, White, Turner, Almond, Armstrong, Houghton, Ryan Wade (14. M Burke 82) Adam Wade. Subs Not Used: 12. Duffy, 15. Towey, 16. Woolcott, 17 S Burke.
Att: 927
SATURDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2009.
GARFORTH TOWN 1 SKELMERSDALE UNITED 3
(WRITES FRANK HUGHES)
United are currently the league’s leading form side with 16 points out of a possible eighteen.
They’ve scored a staggering 21 goals in the process and have conceded just four along the way, but they’re not getting carried away because the real test of how far they’ve come in recent weeks will face them this coming Saturday when they entertain FC Halifax Town.
Town lost their unbeaten run over the weekend to Prescot Cables and will be keen to get their title ambitions back on track. And for Skem a win is crucial because Halifax have enough games in hand to put a 12 point gulf between the pair of them.
Meanwhile United did what they had to do at Garforth.
Languishing in the lower echelons of the Unibond North, their opponents are more than capable of producing a shock on the day, and what they lack in skill they more than make up for in terms of tenacity.
Skelmersdale got off to a dream start with a wonderful strike from Chris Almond with just thirty seconds registered on the clock.
United lost the ball in the centre circle shortly after kick off but Aaron Turner managed to retrieve the ball and played the ball out wide to Chris Almond.
Almond managed to cut inside his marker and run across the face of Garforth’s defence before unleashing an unstoppable left footed shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
United continued to force the pace and Mark Houghton was unlucky not to score when he spotted the keeper off his line, but in the end his shot lacked power and the keeper was able to make a comfortable catch.
In the 15th minute RyanWade’s shot was turned wide by the keeper and from the resultant corner the keeper pulled off another key save as he managed to block Shaun Foster’s header at the far post.
The second goal came in the 28th minute.
Martin Crowder’s free kick forced the keeper into making another dramatic save, but there was nothing he could do to stop Mark Houghton as he slotted the rebound home from a very acute angle.
Michael White went close on the half hour mark with a close range shot which fizzed over the crossbar.
United continued to assert their authority in the second half, with Ryan Wade’s volley being clipped wide early doors.
The game was effectively over as a contest in the 61st minute when United scored their third goal of the afternoon.
Adam Wade’s clever ball over the Garforth defence put Mark Houghton through and with just the keeper to beat he took one touch at the edge of the box before guiding the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net – Houghton’s tenth goal of the season.
To their credit Garforth’s heads never went down and they were handed a lifeline in the 66th minute, when Tom Greaves reduced the arrears.
That said; the linesman had indicated Greaves was offside, but then the referee overruled it stating that the ball had clipped one of Skem’s players on the way through. Either way United’s defence were adamant it was offside and they stood still whilst Greaves put the ball in the back of the net.
If Garforth were feeling pumped up; then United were far from feeling deflated despite the fact that their hosts had got a lucky break.
Mark Houghton had a glorious opportunity to bag the matchball in the 79th minute.
With Garforth on the attack Ryan McMahon had to race out of his goal to head the ball clear. His clearance was that smart that he found Aaron Turner who in turn played a side-footed pass to Mark Houghton, and once again in similar position to his previous goal he took the shot on early, and although his shot had the keeper beaten again it was this time marginally wide of the upright.
Kyle Armstrong and Chris Almond both had efforts in the final five minutes of the game. Armstrong’s shot went wide, but Almond’s shot was parried away by the keeper.
Deep into injury time Duncan Williams forced a world class save out of Ryan McMahon, but United had already done enough to earn victory.
M.O.M. Kyle Armstrong.
Plenty of contenders for the honour.
Mark Houghton covered every blade of grass and bagged a brace for his efforts, and Martin Crowder, Adam Wade, Michael White and Chris Almond were also very prominent in the game. However, it was Kyle Armstong’s presence in midfield which encapsulated everything which was good about Skem.
Kyle didn’t always get his passing right and sometimes he failed to get the ball when arguably he should’ve done, but there was no denying the fact that he was terrorising Garforth and pressurising them into making costly mistakes.
Team: McMahon, Foster, Crowder (14. M Burke 65) Akrigg, White, Turner, Almond (12. Duffy 87) Armstrong, Houghton, R Wade (15. S Burke 89) A Wade. Subs Not Used: 15. S Burke, 17. Quarless.
Att: 120
TUESDAY 3rd NOVEMBER 2009.
AFC FYLDE 0 SKELMERSDALE UTD 4
(WRITES FRANK HUGHES)
United moved into third place with classy performance over their determined Fylde coast opponents.
Skelmersdale’s defeat at Leigh in the FA Trophy over the weekend was a costly affair in financial terms, but the pleasing thing was they managed to bury that particular disappointment with an emphatic result, which in real terms gave them three valuable league points that no amount of money can buy.
They made a dream start in the 4th minute when Martin Crowder’s corner was headed back across the face of goal by Steve Akrigg, and Michael White sneaked in to head the ball between keeper and post.
The lead was doubled two minutes later when Mark Houghton beat off the challenge of Dougie Shaw to place the ball beyond the keeper who’d done his best to reduce the angle. It was a great finish, but Ryan Wade’s through ball was the key to providing Houghton with the opportunity.
Fylde’s heads didn’t go down regardless of their early misfortune and they did their best to make a fist of things despite facing an uphill struggle, but United defended well and limited their chances.
In the opening exchanges of the second half United upped the tempo and it was Paul Woolcott who was causing the hosts all the problems – they simply couldn’t cope with his wing wizardry.
Woolcott’s cross found Mark Houghton in the 47th minute; who sidefooted a shot which clipped the inside of the upright and ricocheted across the face of goal before being cleared, but a minute later Woolcott went more direct and as a result Farrell Kilbane brought him down and from the resultant penalty captain Michael White duly despatched his twelfth goal of the season – an exceptional return for a centre half.
On the hour mark Adam Wade’s 25-yarder was parried away by the keeper and Mark Houghton’s follow-up was blocked by the post.
Ryan Wade made a great run across the face of goal in the 73rd minute and just when he looked as though he was about to square the ball for Adam Wade, he took a punt himself and was only a whisker away from the target.
Mark Houghton broke the offside trap three minutes later and lobbed the keeper, but just as the ball looked to be sailing into the net, Farrell Kilbane hooked the ball off the line.
Chris Almond replaced Mark Houghton in the 80th minute and within a couple of minutes was wreaking havoc down the right hand wing. He threaded a great ball through to Adam Wade and with the keeper beaten he thrashed a shot into the upright, and although Ryan Wade was on hand to tuck the rebound home it was chalked off as Ryan had been actively offside.
United were gifted with a bit of fortune with their fourth as Phil Doughty turned Towey’s cross into his own net.
With five clean sheets and twenty five goals to their credit in their last 7 outings, United are showing the kind of form they need to consolidate a position in the play-offs, but even those statistics don’t tell you how well Skem are playing at the moment.
M.O.M. Paul Woolcott.
Woolcott is an exceptional player of that there is no doubt, but he’s an exceptional team player as well who’s generated a good telepathic partnership with Shaun Foster.
Team: McMahon, Foster, Crowder (15. M Burke 67) Akrigg, White, Turner (12. Towey 85) Woolcott, Armstrong, Houghton (17. Almond 80) R Wade, A Wade. Subs Not Used: 14. Duffy, 16. S Burke.
Att: 190
SATURDAY 31ST OCTOBER 2009.
FA TROPHY 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND
LEIGH GENESIS 4 SKELMERSDALE UNITED 1
(WRITES FRANK HUGHES)
United crashed out of the FA Trophy with a thumping defeat at Leigh, despite taking an early lead.
Mark Houghton’s goal in the 2nd minute gave United a dream start, and to be fair they could’ve had the game wrapped up before half time, but for the keeper, the woodwork and arguably some poor finishing.
Leigh managed to come up with a game plan during the interval, but it was not like they had mountain to climb because they’d somehow managed to restore parity when they’d just about managed to tread stormy water for the first forty five minutes.
The opening goal suggested that United would have a field day, because rarely have United threatened teams with such ease down the left hand wing.
Kevin Towey broke from inside his own half and delivered a forward pass to Ryan Wade who simply skipped past Kris King before sending a teasing cross into the six-yard box. The keeper fumbled what should’ve been a routine catch and Mark Houghton sneaked in at the far post for a simple tap in.
Four minutes later United should’ve doubled their score when Adam Wade laid the ball off to Kevin Towey at the edge of the box, but somehow he screwed his shot wide.
Jordan Stepien took receipt of Shaun Foster’s poor back pass in the 8thminute, but rushed his effort from 20-yards out and shot wide of the upright.
In the 13th minute Mark Houghton managed to get behind Leigh’s defence before squaring the ball to Kevin Towey, and with time and space to spare Towey tried curling a shot into the top left hand corner of the net, but the ball just wouldn’t dip quick enough to cause a problem.
In the 15th minute Paul Woolcott broke down the right wing before sending in a telling cross to the near post for Ryan Wade to hit first time on the volley, but the keeper pulled off an instinctive save.
Leigh drew level in the 22nd minute, and the goal was tinged with fortune.
Jordan Stepien raced clear and from an acute angle he let rip with a thunderous shot which was fortunate to hit the inside of the upright before dropping over the line. That said; the referee’s assistant was way off the pace and failed to spot that Stepien was offside, but he unlike Skem’s defence didn’t wait for a whistle to be blown.
The woodwork came to Leigh’s rescue a minute after the restart when Mark Houghton’s header ricocheted off the angle.
Kevin Towey had a trio of chances within a four minute period, with two being blocked en route and the third effort he just couldn’t connect with as Armstrong’s pass put him in.
With three minutes to go before the half time break Paul Woolcott’s volley forced a world class save out of the keeper, and Shaun Foster fired wide from the resultant corner.
Shortly after the break Martin Crowder missed a glorious opportunity following a clever back heel by Towey, but once again it was wide of the upright when it should’ve really been on target to say the least.
Leigh were coming out of their shell and were also coming to terms with United’s style of play, and Ryan McMahon was the busier keeper of the two.
Tom Ince, Chris Thompson, Jamie Baguley and Steven Flitcroft all forced saves out of the United keeper, but it was against the run of play that Skem almost got themselves ahead again.
Ryan Wade took receipt of a great pass by Kevin Towey which split the hosts defence, but this time it was Steven Drench in the opposite goal who came to the rescue as he turned Wade’s shot wide.
Leigh took the lead in the 58th minute, but the opportunity was handed to them on a plate.
Ryan McMahon’s throw to Michael White just outside the box was ill-judged, and although White could’ve reacted better – Tom Ince was on him like a rash and forced him into making a poor clearance. Ince for his part stayed calm following his improvised attack and placed the ball beyond McMahon to claim the lead.
United’s heads didn’t exactly go down, but the writing was pretty much on the wall. They simply didn’t have the same zip in their game which had seen them score 22 goals in a six game unbeaten run prior to this.
Ryan McMahon pulled off another good save in the 73rd minute when Dorney beat the offside trap, but he couldn’t do anything about Leigh’s third goal which came two minutes later when Jamie Baguley volleyed home at the far post. The fact that he was offside mattered not, because United were well beaten when Dorney fired home five minutes from the end with a great shot which clipped the upright before settling in the back of the net.
Ryan Wade is without doubt the best finisher the club has seen for some time, but with a gaping target he somehow conspired to push his shot wide when it looked easier to score than miss. But with three minutes left on the clock it would’ve been nothing but a consolation.
The 4-1 scoreline didn’t really do United justice when the game was fully analysed, but credit must go to Leigh and their management team who took on board their deficiencies in the first half to turn things around in the second.
M.O.M. Ryan McMahon
Scant consolation on a day when his mistake effectively turned the match and cost United the game, but he also saved United from being the victims of a much crueller scoreline.
Team: McMahon, Foster (12. Duffy 62) Crowder, Akrigg, White, A Wade, Woolcott (16. Turner) Armstrong, Houghton, R Wade, Towey (17. Almond 62) Subs Not Used: 12. M Burke, 15. S Burke.
Att: 220
TUESDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2009.
CHORLEY 0 SKELMERSDALE UNITED 4
(WRITES FRANK HUGHES)
Lately United are simply rampant in front of goal, and much of that has got to do with the like for like replacements that Manager, Tommy Lawson has brought to the club.
Paul Woolcott and Ryan Wade have succeeded their counterparts – McConville and Donnelly so effectively, that entwined with the current squad, they’re engineering the type of form that epitomized their exploits last season.
United rode their luck early doors in this game as they tried to come to terms with a spongy surface, and they perhaps misjudged the pace of their opponents if the truth be known.
Danny Nolan curled a shot in from the edge of the penalty area in the 3rd minute which had McMahon well beaten, but thankfully for Skem the angle came to their rescue.
Chris Amadi was causing United problems down the left hand flank, and in the 11th minute he beat Foster, White and Akrigg before un leashing a shot into the sidenetting. And a minute later he got the better of Foster again, but this time his shot was blocked en route.
When United got into their stride they weren’t short of pace themselves.
On the break United won a throw parallel to the 18-yards box, Shaun Foster gave the ball to Ryan Wade and quickly received the ball back before whipping an excellent cross in which evaded the first line of defence, to find Kevin Towey who rounded his marker before lashing his shot wide of the target.
United were stretching their legs and giving Chorley food for thought.
Once again the combinations between Foster and Wade were causing the hosts problems, and following a terrific move between the pair; Foster sent in a teasing cross, and with his back to goal Mark Houghton unleashed an overhead kick but alas it was directed into the keepers’ hands.
Ryan Wade fed Paul Woolcott in the 26th minute and whilst Chorley’s defence anticipated the ball going into touch – Woolcott knew better and got to the by-line to prevent the ball from going out of play before squaring the ball to Mark Houghton...but just as it looked easier to score than miss – he shot wide. In his defence he was in an awkward stance when he received the ball and would’ve had more success had he struck the ball with his left foot.
At the other end Jamie Vermiglio headed wide from a near post corner.
In the 32nd minute United’s breaking pace caught Chorley flatfooted once again. Crowder slipped the ball through to Towey who carried the ball before putting in an excellent cross which was headed down to the feet of Ryan Wade by Paul Woolcott, but alas Wade’s shot was high.
Kevin Towey’s 20-yarder crept marginally wide of the upright in the 34th minute, and just when it was thought a goal might never come – a minute later United had the lead they deserved and what a goal it was.
Paul Woolcott received a quick throw from Shaun Foster and sent a low cross into the box. Kevin Towey dummied the ball and allowed it to run through to Ryan Wade who took the ball around the defender – conned the goalkeeper as he looked to be unleashing a left footed shot, but instead he flicked the ball over the keeper with the outside of his right foot.
United had to absorb a fair bit of pressure from Chorley in the opening exchanges of the second half, but took the game by the scruff of the neck in the 53rd minute.
Shaun Foster dribbled his way through Chorley’s defence, but his target bound shot was blocked. From the resultant corner Steve Akrigg fired over at the far post.
Shaun Foster was sent sailing clean through again in the 57th minute; this time with an excellent ball from Woolcott, but unimaginably he conspired to screw his shot well wide of the target.
Whilst only a goal in it the game was still poised to a degree, and had Chorley been more effective in front of goal they could’ve been back in the game in the 58th minute but for a poor shot by Nolan which went wide when in the very least it should’ve been on target.
A one-two between Mark Houghton and Paul Woolcott ended with the latter being scythed down by Wayne Maden, who was sent off for his second bookable offence, and up stepped captain Michael White who duly converted the spot kick – his tenth goal of the season and the result not in question from that point on.
Mark Houghton shot marginally wide in the 70th minute having had the ball threaded neatly through by Kevin Towey, and Chorley were basically being forced into absorbing excessive pressure.
The third goal came in the 72nd minute when Adam Kozlowski sliced Martin Crowder’s free kick into his own net, and to add insult to injury the 4th goal game three minutes later.
Kevin Towey’s 20-yarder thrashed off the crossbar and was cleared only as far as Woolcott who managed to get to get a vital cross into Ryan Wade who headed home. Woolcott was left pole axed and Chorley were lucky not to end the game with just nine men.
With damage limitation being the exercise, all three substitutions were soon brought on by Skem and they naturally took their feet off the gas.
In the closing stages Michael White made an important saving tackle, Akrigg cleared off the line and Ryan McMahon pulled off the save of the match as he switched his stance to curl Terry Fearns’ shot wide of the upright. And determined to keep a clean sheet; McMahon pulled off another double save following a melee in the box, but it mattered not as United already had the three points in the bag.
M.O.M. Paul Woolcott
United are beating teams for pace and Paul Woolcott is an emblematic factor in that department.
You just wouldn’t like to defend against this lad – indeed Chorley simply couldn’t, and as a result he was instrumental in three of United’s goals. And worthy of note was his ability to get back and defend when it was needed.
Team: McMahon, Foster, Crowder, Akrigg, White, A Wade, Woolcott (12. Duffy 76) Armstrong, Houghton (14. S Burke 78) R Wade, Towey (17. Quarless 82) Subs Not Used: 15. M Burke, 16. Morrison.
Att: 261.
SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2009.
SKELMERSDALE UNITED 4 TRAFFORD 0
(WRITES FRANK HUGHES)
United sailed to a comfortable victory in an incident packed game at the Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College Stadium, as Trafford played the last 18 minutes with just nine men.
United were the more dominant team in the opening exchanges, but the windy conditions weren’t exactly conducive to good play.
Skem took the lead though in the 29th minute.
Steve Akrigg and Shaun Foster headed the ball from post to post following Towey’s corner, before Michael White nodded the ball home between post and keeper.
United should’ve killed the game just before half time when Kevin Towey headed Woolcott’s cross wide of the target when it looked easier to score than miss.
United looked more creative in the second half.
With a host of players lining up for Kevin Towey’s square pass, the ball settled for Paul Woolcott who forced the keeper into a point blank save.
Mark Houghton found himself in a one-on-one with the keeper in the 59th minute but he pushed the ball far too forward and the keeper managed to win the 50/50 ball.
Ryan Wade fended off Bayunu before rounding him, but his eventual shot wouldn’t quite sit down and sailed over the crossbar.
Trafford had two players sent off in an eight minute spell and when the bedlam settled down Scott Barlow managed to break through United’s defence in the 66th minute, but Ryan McMahon managed to block his shot and the ball was cleared.
Scott Barlow breached United’s defence again. Ryan McMahon couldn’t get to the ball this time, but he managed to force Barlow wide and with limited options in the box Barlow hit the ball across the face of the goal, but with Skem back in numbers the danger was cleared.
Thankfully United managed to get a stranglehold on the game from that point onwards.
Paul Woolcott’s shot was cleared by the keeper and Shaun Foster’s follow-up went wide, but United’s second came eventually when Kevin Towey played a cute ball through to Shaun Foster which split Trafford’s defence wide open, and just when Foster looked to be priming himself up for a shot he unselfishly squared the ball to Mark Houghton who took a touch before guiding the ball into the net.
Two minutes later Ryan Wade snatched a third for Skem with a terrific finish.
Kevin Towey was clean through on goal a minute later only to be tripped by Nia Bayunu, but Michael White missed his chance of going into double figures for the season when his spot kick was saved by the keeper.
Towey’s corner hit the upright just as the game was heading into injury time, but United completed the rout soon after when Mark Houghton converted Kevin Towey’s cross.
M.O.M. Mark Houghton
There were quite a few players in the frame for this honour, but Mark has hit a rich vein of form lately, and is hitting them in from all angles. Whether he’s scoring whoppers or just simply tapping them in, it doesn’t really matter because he’s getting into the positions that makes the difference.
McMahon, Foster (15. M Burke 85) Crowder, Akrigg (12. Duffy 84) White, A Wade (17. Morrision 87) Woolcott, Armstrong, Houghton, R Wade, Towey. Subs Not Used: 14. S Burke, 16. Quarless.
Att: 225
Rating 4/5
TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER